Vineyard

The grapes for this wine are sourced from the historic BV#3, now called Beckstoffer Georges III, and sits next to the Silverado Trail in the renowned Rutherford sub-appellation of the Napa Valley. It was originally planted by Georges de Latour of Beaulieu Vineyard in 1928 and replanted by Andy Beckstoffer, commencing in 1991. Our Clone 4 Cabernet block is just north of the Caymus property, having been planted from cuttings from the earlier clonal trials conducted in the former BV Ranch #4, now called ToKalon Vineyard. This clone of Cabernet originated in Mendoza, Argentina, and is now widely planted in the Napa Valley. When grown in a prime region like Rutherford, Clone 4 displays classic characteristics of Cabernet, nuanced by the Rutherford Dust and rum raisin cassis the appellation is known for. Perhaps our most elegant, silky and true-to-type clone bottling.

Vinification

The grapes are hand-harvested and gently crushed to retain 60% whole berries. The free-run and press wines were kept separate; the resulting bottled wine is entirely made from free-run juice. Following fermentation, the wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was aged in 100% French oak (100% new) for 20 months and racked only twice to preserve the amazing fruit, while naturally clarifying the wine and softening the tannins. With no fining or additional treatment, the wine was bottled and laid down for an additional year prior to release.

Vintage Notes

Vintage 2019 brought a very even ripening season for most of Napa Valley.  Spring was gentle and warm, with an average timing for bud-break, and a steady growth pattern of spring.  June and July turned up the heat - temperatures hovered in the 90s or higher, with a few sustained heat spells, and we moved into a moderately warm August with balanced vine growth producing healthy, leafy canopies.  

Fortunately, even temperatures followed the hotter pre-veraison months, allowing fruit to hang and continue ripening through September’s end and into October.  We carefully scheduled picking, often in the coolest hours approaching sunrise.  Sauvignon Blanc grapes came in about a week behind average, while most of the other grapes fell in around their normal harvest dates, responding well to the consistent temperatures of August, September and October.  Our winemaker appreciates the vintage for allowing time to harvest the grapes when desired, rather than at the whim of heat spikes or fermenter space.

Tasting Notes

At first look, the wine is a deep purple color and displays the original purity and character from the vineyard. Leading with a vibrant parfum of violet, blackberry, cassis and hints of herb this wine is showing off a very classic Napa Cabernet side, reminiscent of some of the 1970s wines. The palate has a much more muscular attitude than bouquet suggests. The tannins are definitely present, yet carry an ethereal, almost weightless quality. Flavors abound, with blackberries fresh off the vine, bitter chocolate, and crème de cassis. The finish is long and just waiting for your next bite of prime cut beef!